Day 2 Neuchatel, Switzerland - Tour Begins
Willkkommen! Bienvenue! Board a Swiss Rail train to Neuchatel, where Gothic landmarks and sandstone grandeur beckon you to discover the abounding history of this medieval waterfront city. A reception of cocktails and canapes welcomes you to the first stop on your tour: the centuries-old cloister of the Collégiale,* a church and chateau perched atop Neuchatel’s highest point. Retire this evening in your lakefront room with incredible views of Lake Neuchatel.

Day 3 Neuchatel - Auvernier - Neuchatel
Good morning, Neuchatel a la Belle Époque! Set out on a walking tour and discover the treasures of Neuchatel’s historic quarter with its unique architecture and structures from the Belle Époque period. Next, it’s on to the village of Auvernier. Visit a local wine cooperative, where a tour of the cellars demands a tasting of their everlasting vintages and a chance to learn how nature, soil and tradition converge to create a vintage’s character and flavor. (B)

Day 4 Neuchatel
Enjoy a day of leisure in Neuchatel. You may use your Swiss Travel Pass to explore the surrounding areas or gain admission to museums. Or, just relax and stroll this charming place. Perhaps you will choose to join your guide for an optional e-biking excursion on Switzerland’s Absinthe Trail to Maison de l’Absinthe to learn the history of production and enjoy a private tasting and cooking experience. This evening we gather to unwind over dinner at a local brasserie and sample local favorites such as boeuf tartare and fromage. (B,D)

Day 5 Neuchatel - Bern - Zermatt
From Neuchatel we travel via train to Bern, the Swiss capital city. Enjoy time at leisure to discover Bern’s enthralling blend of influences - old and new. Then it’s on to the striking resort village of Zermatt, nestled against the backdrop of the Matterhorn. (B,D)

Day 6 Zermatt
Zermatt’s modern holiday amenities steeped in traditional Alpine roots make this pedestrian city a truly peak experience. Today is yours to explore all this village has to offer. Consider using your Swiss Travel Pass to ascend the Gornergrat Railway to take in breathtaking views of the famed Matterhorn. (B)

Day 7 Zermatt - Vevey
Say goodbye to Zermatt and head to the north shore of Lake Geneva to Vevey, one of the “Pearls of the Swiss Riviera,” with awe-inspiring views of the Alpine panorama. While the city’s promenades and majestic hotels are classic reminders of the Belle Époque, its modernity is characterized by its art and music festivals, and the ever-present memory of Charlie Chaplin, who spent the last quarter of his life as a resident. Enjoy a walking tour before paying a visit to Läderach. Switzerland is world-famous for its chocolate, and Läderach chocolate is Swiss perfection. Participate in an immersive tasting workshop that reveals a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the artistry behind the handmade Swiss chocolate. (B)

Day 8 Vevey - Lavaux - Vevey
A relaxed morning in Vevey preludes your journey to the terraced vineyards of Lavaux. Begin with lunch at a family-owned restaurant before visiting our friends, Jacques and Aurelia, for a wine tasting nestled amongst the vines. Traipse the Lavaux vineyards (UNESCO) on foot before enjoying another tasting of the region’s finest varieties. Next, it’s your choice! Return to Vevey via rail and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure; OR, continue your exploration through the miles of Lavaux vineyards to Saint-Saphorin, a medieval village dating back to Roman times, located on the banks of Lake Geneva. (B,L)

Day 9 Vevey
Enjoy a full day at leisure. Check out everything Vevey has to offer. Don’t forget to take advantage of your Swiss Travel Pass to explore any one of the city’s museums, among them the Swiss Camera Museum, Charlie Chaplin Museum, or the Nestle Foundation’s Nest. Or use your Pass to board a ferry to discover Montreux and Chillon. Join us this evening for a farewell dinner at one of Vevey’s best local restaurants. (B,D)

Day 10 Vevey - Tour Ends
Your tour comes to a close today. (B)

All This Included

Discover a world of pastoral splendor, where the history of the Belle Époque is preserved in awe-inspiring architecture, all set to the grand backdrop of the Alps. Nestled between four countries is a land where crystalline lakes sit amidst mountain peaks, and lush green valley’s yield centuries-old vineyards. This is the home of the Matterhorn and Lake Geneva, where chocolate is high art and culture is intrinsic. You’ve booked passage to Switzerland – via the absolute best way to explore it – the Swiss Railway. Start among the historic architecture of Neuchatel, wrought in the grand Belle Époque style. Walk through centuries-old vineyards and taste unparalleled Swiss wine. Soak in views of the Matterhorn from the picturesque mountain town of Zermatt. Sample legendary Laderach chocolate as you watch chocolatiers work their confectionary craft. See the magnificent landscape roll past your window as the train moves through the country’s peaks and valleys. Use your Swiss Travel Pass, which grants you unlimited access to the country’s transportation network, along with complimentary entrance into all of Switzerland’s 500 museums. Get ready for a remarkable Swiss journey that you’ll never forget.

12 meals

Centrally-located hotels provide a home away from home

Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling

A professional tour manager accompanies you throughout your trip

Expert local guides provide insightful, personalized tours

Unparalleled sightseeing includes all of the "must-sees"

Enriching cultural experiences bring the destination to life

Private climate-controlled motorcoach enhances your tour

Free round trip sedan service that takes you from your home to the airport when you purchase an air-inclusive Collette tour (within 50 miles of nearest airport gateway)

Highlights

Discover Neuchatel’s historic quarter and the treasures of the Belle Époque period.

Explore the vineyards of Swiss wine country on foot.

Use your Swiss Travel Pass as an all-access entry to museums and more.

This tour is very active, requiring participants to be physically fit to fully enjoy all the experiences. This itinerary has more strenuous activities which may include such things as: extensive walking tours, transfers over uneven and dusty terrain, high altitudes, early morning departures, late night activities, or extreme temperatures. All conditions do not apply to all days, so please read the itinerary carefully and speak to one of our travel counselors to determine if this tour is right for you. We recommend this program to individuals who are physically fit. Unfortunately, this tour is not appropriate for individuals who use either walkers or wheelchairs. If this trip is not ideally suited for you, our travel counselors can help determine the perfect trip for you.

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The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines.

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